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Zambia joins Africa’s radio astronomy network with TART telescope

The device is intended for real-time, all-sky observation of transitory events such as satellites, near-Earth objects, and other cosmic phenomena. The Copperbelt University in Kitwe, Zambia, has become part of a growing network of radio astronomy infrastructure across Africa following the installation of the Transient Array Radio Telescope (TART). This 24-element system is designed for real-time, all-sky monitoring of transient cosmic events and marks the fifth TART deployment on the continent, joining existing arrays in Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius and South Africa, as reported by SpaceinAfrica. TART, developed in partnership with the Electronics Research Foundation in New Zealand, is a compact, open-source radio telescope geared toward tracking satellites, near-Earth objects, and other astrophysical phenomena. In addition to its scientific capabilities, the system serves as an accessible platform for practical training and algorithm development, offering valuable experience to emerging scientists and engineers in radio astronomy. The installation was supported by DARA (Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy) and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), under South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF). The deployment included a training workshop attended by faculty and postgraduate students from Copperbelt University and three other Zambian institutions: Mulungushi University, Kwame Nkrumah University, and Mukuba University. This collaborative approach highlights the project’s emphasis on capacity building, skills transfer, and the strengthening of local scientific expertise. Zambia’s participation in the TART initiative reinforces its growing role in global radio astronomy and contributes to the broader Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, of which it is one of eight African partner countries. The successful setup in Kitwe reflects a deep commitment to fostering regional scientific development through education, infrastructure, and international cooperation. The project owes its success to the contributions of leading experts including Prof. Oleg Smirnov (RATT), Dr Tim Molteno, Benjamin Hugo, and a network of dedicated collaborators who turned a shared vision into a functioning scientific asset. TART Zambia not only enhances educational and research opportunities but also symbolises Africa’s advancing position in the global astronomy community, expanding access to cutting-edge scientific tools and opening new frontiers in space science through innovation and partnership.